Decision-Making Model Term Paper

Decision Making Model

Decision-Making Model

An individual's life, it is often said, is nothing but a reflection of choices that were made. Thus, individuals who make well-thought out decisions are more likely to feel content and fulfilled, whereas individuals who are driven by impulse often end up taking many a wrong turn in life. The preceding observation is especially true of decisions that are made at critical junctures of a person's life such as his or her choice of career. I, recently, had occasion to become highly sensitized to this fact when I was faced with a decision pertaining to my current career with the Navy. Although there were several aspects to my job with the Navy that afford a feeling of contentment, I had begun wondering if I could, in fact, lead a more fulfilling life through a career in business management in a multinational firm.

Since I was highly aware of the importance of the decision I was about to take, I felt that it was only prudent to let my decision be guided by a decision-making model, which was known to be effective, if used well. With this in mind, I set out to research the various decision-making models and finally settled on the "Assess-Explore-Decide-Act" model as the one best suited for my purposes. I chose this particular model of decision making since it offered four simple steps, designed to reach clarity in career decisions (UNSW, 2004). Of course, I was well aware that I would need to apply all the critical thinking skills I had while applying the steps recommended by any decision making model. For, as Parsons who was one of the founding fathers of the counseling profession, once said, "In the wise choice of a vocation there are three broad factors: (1) a clear understanding of yourself...; (2) a knowledge of the requirements...of success, advantages and disadvantages...; (3) true reasoning on the relations of these two groups of facts." (Hartung & Blustein, cited Parsons, 2002).

Determined to thoroughly analyze and evaluate my reasoning at each step, I set out to first assess the outcomes I desired from a career (UNSW, 2004). I defined the outcome I desired as a career in management, ideally with the scope for global exposure, which would allow me to experience the people and culture of different parts of the world. In addition, I realized that I'd like a career that would allow me to lead more of a family life, an area that is rather constrained if one is building a career with the Navy. During the course of developing my self-assessment, I also ascertained that while I had certain strengths such as an analytical mind, organizational ability, and interpersonal skills, which were suited for a managerial job, the problem was that currently I only had a High School degree. This, therefore, meant that I would have to work towards obtaining a post-graduate business management degree in order to obtain a managerial position with a multinational firm.

The next step I took was to identify and explore the options available, which would help me best achieve my professional and personal goals. Of course, my current option was to stay with the Navy and work up way…